Central Louisiana News

May 23, 2024

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05), along with Congresswomen Lois Frankel (FL-22), Maria Elvira Salazar (FL-27), and Kathy Castor (FL-14), co-introduced the Connected Maternal Online Monitoring (MOM) Act. This bill seeks to improve maternal and child health outcomes during both pregnancy and postpartum stages.

The legislation aims to address barriers in remote maternal health by enabling physicians to remotely monitor their pregnant patients. It requires the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to provide recommendations and resources to state Medicaid programs on how to increase coverage of devices that aid in remote monitoring.

“As a mom of two children myself, maternal health has always been an issue near and dear to my heart. However, it is often overlooked and not easily accessible, especially in rural districts like mine,” said Rep. Letlow. “I am proud to co-lead this legislation that will increase the access pregnant women have to high-quality remote care, and makes this flexible care more affordable. The benefits will be felt in the Fifth District of Louisiana and far beyond.”

“The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate in any developed nation in the world, disproportionately impacting communities of color,” said Rep. Frankel. “Virtual medical monitoring can identify pregnancy and postpartum complications, aiding medical providers and improving health outcomes for expectant mothers and their children.”

“Ensuring that expectant mothers have access to every tool necessary is vital to supporting maternal health and to our nation’s future,” said Rep. Salazar. “I am proud to co-lead legislation that would give new and expecting mothers and their children the head-start they deserve with the best technology our country has to offer.”

“Medicaid is key to keeping moms and infants healthy and well,” said Rep. Castor. “The bipartisan Connected MOM Act will help ensure that families have access to the technology needed for a safe pregnancy. Together, we can reduce maternal mortality and improve outcomes for children too through expanded and modern care delivery.”

"We express our heartfelt gratitude to Congresswoman Julia Letlow, Lois Frankel, María Elvira Salazar, and Kathy Castor for their backing of the Connected MOM Act,” said Joseph R. Biggio Jr., MD MSHQS, Ochsner Health System Women’s Services and Maternal-Fetal Medicine Chair. “This crucial piece of legislation is set to enhance health results for mothers and babies nationwide, with a special emphasis on marginalized communities."

Ochsner Health's Connected Maternity Online Monitoring program inspired the bill by providing participants with equipment for at-home checks aimed at catching potential issues early while reducing clinic visits.

A companion bill has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Bill Cassidy, M.D (R-LA), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH).